Key benchmark indices edged higher for the third consecutive trading session today, 2 February 2012. Data showing substantial purchases of Indian stocks by foreign institutional investors underpinned sentiment. Also supporting sentiment for the second day in a row was data released during trading hours on Wednesday, 1 February 2012, showing strong manufacturing sector growth in the month just gone. The barometer index, BSE Sensex, jumped 131.27 points or 0.76%, up about 124 points from the day's low and off 72 points from the day's high. The market breadth was positive. The Sensex and the 50-unit S&P CNX Nifty attained their highest closing level in more than 12 weeks.

The Sensex has surged 1,976.93 points or 12.79% in calendar 2012 so far. The barometer index jumped 1,738.63 points or 11.25% in January 2012 on the back of heavy buying by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). From a 52-week low of 15,135.86 on 20 December 2011, the Sensex has risen 2,295.99 points or 15.17%. From a 52-week high of 19,811.14 on 6 April 2011, the Sensex has lost 2,379.29 points or 12%.

Strong cues from European market aided rally in Indian stocks on Wednesday, 1 February 2012. The BSE Sensex jumped 107.03 points or 0.62% to settle at 17,300.58, its highest closing since 9 November 2011.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 1676.49 crore on Wednesday, 1 February 2012, as per provisional data from the stock exchanges. FIIs made substantial purchases of Indian stocks last month. FIIs bought shares worth a net Rs 10357.70 crore in January 2012, as per data from Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi).